Addendum to Course Description

A program elective for the AAS Degree in Gerontology and the Gerontology Career Pathway Certificate. Recommended for students earning Activity Professional Certificates.

Intended Outcomes for the course

1. Identify ways to incorporate therapeutic horticulture and adaptive strategies in various types of facilities and settings serving older adults.

2. Identify the steps to format therapeutic horticulture session plans for each of the four seasons.

Course Activities and Design

Course activities will include reading, lecture, discussion and observation on course themes, concepts, issues, and skills.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Students will - 1. Complete the course study guide. 2. Assemble a collection of facility and service brochures for older adults, articles and news items on senior issues, and senior gardening information pieces from local community and mainstream publications. 3. Visit two different senior service sites and write a report about their nature based activities. 4. Successfully complete a quiz on the course content measuring course outcomes mastery.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Course content includes - 1. Definition of therapeutic horticulture, adaptive strategies, and therapeutic gardens 2. Types of facilities and settings serving older adults 3. Three main types of programming: vocational, therapeutic, and social 4. Orientation to American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA), NW Chapter of AHTA, and the variety of programs and resources that support therapeutic horticulture activity work with older adults.